California man accused of sex crime with SC teen

COLUMBIA (AP) — Prosecutors say a 28-year-old California man has been arrested for having sex with a South Carolina teenager he met online.

Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Monday that Charles Henry Ross of San Diego, California, is charged with one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and two counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Investigators say Ross began chatting online several months ago with a Lexington County teenager and traveled to South Carolina last Wednesday.

Wilson says Ross fled on foot when the victim’s mother found him in her son’s bedroom last Friday, but he was later arrested by Lexington County deputies.

It was unclear if Ross had an attorney.

Wilson says the arrest is a reminder that predators are real and no longer only lurk on playgrounds.

Get the SCLW Daily Alert

Sign up today to receive South Carolina Lawyers Weekly Daily Alert and be the first to read the latest news and developments from the South Carolina legal community. This free daily email alert delivers the most recent coverage of the courts and law firms activity that is important to you right to your inbox.
Sign up